UNHCR critical of 'harsh' Nauru conditions

The United Nations refugee agency has slammed the "harsh" conditions at the Nauru detention centre, with some asylum seekers still dealing with the effects of pre-existing trauma and torture.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says the arrangements at the centre do not meet international protection standards, and that the Government's so-called no advantage policy is inconsistent with Australia's responsibilities under the refugee convention.

The UNHCR team raise concerns about delays in processing refugee claims, arguing that such applications should be dealt with "as a matter of urgency".

"The current uncertainty about responsibilities for different aspects of processing and ongoing delays in the commencement of such processing are likely, together, to have a significant and detrimental impact on the mental and physical health of asylum seekers transferred from Australia to Nauru over time," the report states.

The inspectors have also questioned the capacity of the island's health services to properly deal with what has been described as a "steady and rapid" increase in mental health concerns.

They say conditions in the centre are "congested" and "harsh" with little natural shelter from the heat during the day, something that is exacerbated by the significant noise and dust coming from the construction of permanent facilities.

The UNHCR notes that protracted detention in difficult conditions with no clear legal process will lead to significant and long-term harm, including attempted suicides.

"The best thing that can happen to them is they be given regular up-to-date briefings by government officials of Australia and Nauru on what their processes are all about," the UNHCR's regional representative Richard Towle told ABC News.

"That, I think, is very important to provide certainty for people in this very difficult physical environment they find themselves in."

Committed

"We remain committed to implementing the recommendations of the expert panel - of which reopening Nauru was a priority - to save lives at sea, prevent those dangerous boat journeys and provide for a safer option for people in humanitarian need around the world," a spokesman for Mr Bowen said in a statement.

"We continue to work closely with the government of Nauru regarding the full assessment of asylum claims, which will begin early in the new year. Initial interviews have already commenced to gather biographical data and other relevant information.

"It should also be recognised that UNHCR has had a longstanding position of opposition to offshore processing on Nauru that goes back to the operation of a facility on Nauru under the previous government."

The Greens have long argued against the Government's policy of offshore processing and have used today's report to renew their criticism of Labor's treatment of asylum seekers.

"The Government must urgently change track and work with the Greens to establish a humane, legal and safe approach to asylum seekers who are asking Australia for assistance," Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.